Fate of manatee stuck in NJ uncertain

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The fate of a Florida manatee that has

wandered into New Jersey waters remained unclear Saturday night.

The wayward male - known as Ilya - has been stuck near a Linden

oil refinery, and officials say plunging temperatures and a lack of

food were endangering his life. And while the gentle sea cow

appears to be in good health, it had been huddling near an outfall

pipe at an oil refinery in Linden - the only place it could find

warm water.

Officials with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in New Jersey

says Ilya was last seen Friday afternoon.

They had hoped to make a rescue attempt that day, but continuing

bad weather along the Jersey Shore has stymied their efforts.